Mark, You might want to check out the Q2001 OptiMark from Markem at www.markem.com <http://www.markem.com> , it uses a laser to deposit a film based ink onto the device you're marking. I had done some initial investigation of the system in a previous life to replace bar code labels on PCBAs. They can integrate it into any sort of handler, or custom design to meet your requirements. Be prepared for sticker shock, it's not cheap.... Mike McMonagle Senior SMT Engineer Telxon Corporation www.telxon.com <http://www.telxon.com> -----Original Message----- From: Mark Gilbert [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2000 7:28 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] Inline Laser Marking or Ink Jet? Dear Technetters... I previously have had only PCB construction experience and am now working for a firm which manufactures electronic components (oscillators, crystals, filters). Since I am new to this type of manufacturing, I was hoping someone could share some of their knowledge in the area of part marking. Please see if you can help with the following questions: 1.) Which do you prefer (laser or ink marking and why)? Recommendation of a company? 2.) Is anyone aware of a full-inline marking system for use with metal cased dips...8-pin and 14-pin, specifically (with rails, sensors, possibly tube compatible, etc.)? 3.) If an inline system is not available, are there any systems/companies which cater to integrating something like this? Any input would be most appreciated. Thank you. Regards, Mark Gilbert, Product/Process Engineer FOX Electronics For Frequency Control Solutions. . . Fast: 1-888-GET2FOX, ext. 289 Fax: 941-693-1554 http://www.foxonline.com/ <http://www.foxonline.com/> ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 ############################################################## ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 ##############################################################